Memphis Prepares for Home Opener Against Belmont

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis men's soccer is set for its first match at the Billy J. Murphy Track and Soccer Complex of the 2025 season against Belmont. The match is set for a 5:00 p.m. kick as the first match of a doubleheader with the women's soccer program and will be broadcast on ESPN+.

SCOUTING THE TIGERS
After being polled third in the American Conference, Memphis began its season on Thursday with a 1-1 draw against the Lipscomb Bisons. The first goal of the match and first of the season for the Tigers came off the cleat of Fletcher Hedge, who converted a corner kick that Anthony DiFalco was credited with an assist on.

A key storyline for the Tigers throughout the season will be the 20 newcomers to the 2025 roster. On Thursday night, five players made their Memphis debut as a starter, with a total of 13 registering their first minutes in the blue and white. Memphis also saw strong play out of its freshman class. Anthony Grudko earned a start in his collegiate debut and he, along with Ignacio Escamilla, Carson Banham and Miller Lashlee, all were able to put pressure on the opposing back line, recording at least one shot each.

American Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year Filip Sabatti had a solid season debut, recording five saves in the draw. That mark is tied for the most he has had in a single match as a Tiger, a mark that he reached three times during the 2024 season.

A new-look lineup was anchored by the play of junior defender Dino Stavros, who was the only player outside of Sabatti to play all 90 minutes in the season opening match. Stavros and Hedge helped anchor a back line that held Lipscomb scoreless until the 77th minute.

A key statistic from Memphis' season opener was the comparison in fouls committed as the Tigers committed 12 fouls compared to Lipscomb's four.

SCOUTING THE BRUINS
Belmont (1-0-0) comes into the matchup after securing a 2-1 win in its opening match against Wright State. The first Bruin goal was scored off a high crossing attempt by Parker Forbes that found the back of the net and was followed by a penalty kick converted by Louis Peña.

Going into the 2025 season, Belmont was projected sixth in the Missouri Valley Conference Preseason Poll, with Dylan Steely garnering preseason honors in the MVC. Steely did not record an appearance in Belmont's opening contest on Thursday night. Another player who did not appear in the season opener was freshman Jaxon Stokes, who was named to the Top Drawer Soccer Preseason Best XI Freshman Team.

In the opening match, five Belmont players recorded a full 90 minutes played, including goalkeeper Grant Calvert, who recorded three saves in the victory. Parker Forbes, one of the two Belmont goal scorers, recorded a full 90 minutes. Another full participant in Thursday's match, Brad Dildy is no stranger to competing against the Tigers, having spent the 2024 season at Belmont after two seasons at Charlotte.

One piece to watch ahead of the match is substitution usage, as Belmont only used five substitutions against Wright State, while Memphis used eight against Lipscomb.

THE SERIES WITH BELMONT
Memphis has held firm control in the series with the Bruins. In the 20 matchups since 1996, the ledger stands at 18-1-1 in favor of the Tigers. Memphis' only loss to Belmont was during the 1997 season and head coach Richard Mulrooney has not lost to the Bruins, going 6-0-1 in his tenure.

The goal difference in all matchups between the two programs is 63-to-10 in favor of Memphis and the Tigers have also earned victories in each of the last four matches in this series.

HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS
For complete information on Memphis Tigers Men's Soccer, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Carson Banham

Anthony DiFalco

Ignacio Escamilla

Anthony Grudko

Fletcher Hedge

Miller Lashlee

Filip Sabatti

Dino Stavros

University of Memphis Athletics